Press-Start’s Most Loved: Sidekicks

Heading into the next generation of gaming, the team at Press-Start are going to take a moment and reflect on some of the greats of gaming past. First up we are looking at sidekicks. The Robin to your Batman, the sprinkle to your fairy bread, the milk to your cereal, that special someone (or thing) that has stuck with you through thick and thin, offered advice and given grievances but no matter what will always be there for you whether it be saving princess or saving the world. Today we are going to take you through our top 5 with a few honourable mentions.

Before we get into the nitty gritty of our list, a few honourable mentions are worth noting and these are: Epona from The Legend of Zelda series and Sully of Uncharted.

Number 5: Yoshi (Super Mario Brothers) – Originally a loyal side kick of Mario and Luigi it didn’t take this loveable dinosaur long to find his own feet and get some games of his own. Presenting amazing abilities that have aided the Mario Brothers in their adventures for decades. Yoshi is one character that certainly requires no introduction and is an honorable addition at number 5 of our top 5 sidekicks.

Number 4: HK-47 (Star Wars) – A blood thirsty assassin droid and Jedi Hunter. HK-47 refers to any organic beings as “meat bags” and has no issues in destroying them through his various methods. Appearing in many games throughout the Star Wars franchise he has been regarded as one of the most memorable characters sporting a very humorous and sarcastic personality. A highly valuable partner during gameplay and a highly valued number 4.

Number 3: Kazooie (Banjo-Kazooie) – I’m going to go so far as to call Kazooie a partner rather than side kick, as she does a fair amount of the work along with Banjo. Finding shelter and comfort in the back-pack of Banjo popping her head out to aid in attacks and to offer a well-timed insult. This Red-Crested Breegull is a loyal best friend to Banjo beyond all measures and well deserving of number 3 on our list.

Number 2: Clank (Ratchet and Clank) – Real name XJ-0461 and long-time friend of his Lombax friend, Ratchet. Just because he is a tiny robot doesn’t mean he isn’t capable of big feats, saving the universe on multiple occasions and even becoming guardian of time in the galaxy. Humble, polite and well spoken, you can always count on Clank to be there until the very end, putting everyone ahead of himself, not just a side kick but a true hero. Well deserving of our number 2.

Number 1: Daxter (Jak and Daxter) – A.K.A “Orange Lightning”, he is half otter and half weasel, all co-star of the Jak series. Although predominantly a bit of a coward, opting to send his partner Jak in for all the dirty work, Daxter has more than once stepped up to the plate of heroism by sacrificing his opportunity of returning to normal to save the world for example. He can be a loud, obnoxious trash talker but also doesn’t mind trying his hand with the ladies. Rarely leaving his best friends shoulder, he has been through it all, thick and thin saving the world more than once. The definition of a true side kick and Press-Starts respected number 1 on this list.

So there you have it the top 5 sidekicks voted by the staff here at Press-Start. What are your thoughts, do you agree or disagree with our entries? let us know in the comments below and stay glued as in the coming weeks we bring you our favourite power-ups of gaming.

Avid gamer of all varities, particularly strong story driven games, fanatical sportsman, massive music buff, lover of movies with those closest to me and big dreamer of super powers! I aim to provide you the reader with accurate, intriguing stories from the gaming universe!
You can follow me on Twitter @bear_gamer10 or PSN: grizzly_bear11

Diego Arlek

That frog should not be in the title banner Jake, WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?